USRowing Masters Nationals Returns to Oak Ridge in 2017

September 9, 2016 12:37 PM

USRowing is pleased to announce the date and location of the 2017
USRowing Masters National Championships, scheduled for August 17-20, on Melton Hill Lake in
Oak Ridge, Tenn.

The 2016 event saw more than 2,000 entries as 165 clubs converged on the waterways of Lake
Quinsigamond for the largest USRowing event ever. For Oak Ridge Rowing Association Regatta
Director Sarah McAuliffe, it sets the bar even higher next year, and she is looking forward to the
challenge.

“Oak Ridge Rowing Association is extremely excited to provide an excellent athlete experience
for rowers at Masters Nationals 2017,” said McAuliffe. “With our race course recognized as one
of the best in the country, and an organization that has decades of experience hosting highcaliber
events, rowers will have the ability to connect with other athletes socially and
competitively.”

Hosted by Oak Ridge Rowing Association and Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, the
event features athletes 21 and older competing for national titles in 202 categories. Masters
can look forward to another unique competition experience at the 2017 event with a beer
garden and viewing area with TV screens for close-up viewing of each race. Athletes will also
get the chance to meet their fellow competitors for a special Tennessee-favorite meal during
competition.

“Oak Ridge has shown how much the community values the sport of rowing, and they are
anxious to welcome the masters community back to Tennessee,” said USRowing Events
Manager A.J. Dominique. “Their history of hosting events shows they are more than capable of
hosting USRowing’s largest regattas, and the venue makes for a great backdrop for this event.
Competitors can expect great racing conditions, enhanced off-the-water amenities, and a
welcoming, local atmosphere.”

Hosting its first regatta in 1978, Melton Hill Lake is no stranger to prestigious rowing events. It
has played host to a number of USRowing national championship regattas, including the 2014
USRowing Club National Championships, as well as NCAA and SIRA college events. In 2004 and
2007, Lake Melton hosted the USRowing Masters National Championships. In addition, it was
the training venue of choice for the United States women and the Swiss team prior to the 1996
Olympic Games in Atlanta, Ga.

“Late summer in Oak Ridge promises long, sunny days with calm, protected water and ideal
racing conditions,” said Jim Rogers, Oak Ridge Rowing Association Regatta Chairman. “Our
racing venue on Melton Hill Lake has long been a favorite for competitive rowing, hosting highprofile,
1,000-meter and 2,000-meter events for nearly 40 years. We are delighted to welcome
masters rowing back to East Tennessee.”

“We’re all very excited and honored to host the 2017 Masters Nationals,” said Executive
Director of Explore Oak Ridge Marc DeRose. “Rowing is strong part of Oak Ridge history and is
associated with a lot of civic pride. I know that in addition to a fair and consistent racing venue,
visiting rowers will find Oak Ridge to be an extremely welcoming community.”
For more information about the venue, visit the Oak Ridge Rowing Association website at
orra.org.

About USRowing
USRowing is a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee as
the governing body for the sport of rowing in the United States. USRowing has 85,000 individual
members and 1,300 member organizations, offering rowing programs for all. USRowing
receives generous support from the National Rowing Foundation and its corporate sponsors
and partners.
For more information, contact: USRowing Communications, (609) 751-0710,
media@usrowing.org.
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